Today, I had a conversation with a Speech teacher at SSC named Don Pilgrim. He said people are lucky if they have one thing in their lives that they are passionate about. Something that gives them pleasure.

He's so right. No matter how poor I am, how overworked. No matter how lonely or frightened, or pissed off, I can always turn to writing or music. I count myself fortunate to have talent in areas that are completely self-sustaining. I need no one else to participate for me to find inspiration or relief.

If only more people realized what made them happy - what difference would that make in someone's life? Too often, we only see the negative and allow ourselves to fall into the pity party. We should look for joy where we can find it.